The UAE Cyber Security Council, in collaboration with Google Cloud, has officially launched the first Global Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. This initiative reflects the UAE Government’s vision to establish the nation as a leading hub for artificial intelligence and enhance international collaboration in cybersecurity.

The UAE Cabinet has given its support to this initiative, which aims to advance digital transformation and strengthen cybersecurity. The establishment of this centre is part of a broader strategy to build a secure digital ecosystem that meets the needs of businesses and institutions while fostering national capabilities in AI and cybersecurity.

This launch follows the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Advisor, to the United States. During the visit, His Highness engaged with global industry leaders to explore strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, focusing on its potential to drive sustainable growth and enhance digital infrastructure.

The initiative from the UAE Cyber Security Council and Google Cloud aims to support the UAE’s position as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation and education. The centre will not only work on enhancing the nation’s resilience against cyber threats, but also on providing a trusted environment for digital transformation.

Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasized that this partnership with Google Cloud is essential for the UAE’s goal of becoming a global cybersecurity leader. He mentioned that the collaboration will help address immediate cyber threats and foster the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

Cristina Pitarch, Managing Director, EMEA, Google Cloud Security, remarked that the UAE’s clear vision for cybersecurity aligns with their goals. The collaboration aims to combine digital infrastructure with a hub for innovation, preparing future cyber defenders with necessary skills and AI-driven solutions.

Additionally, Google Cloud announced a dedicated accelerator program for 2025, which will select 25 high-potential startups from Hub71’s ecosystem. This three-month program will focus on growth strategies and optimizing business models, with eligible startups able to access up to $300 000 in Google Cloud credits.

The initiative is expected to yield significant economic advantages for the UAE, potentially preventing $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030 and creating over 20 300 specialized cybersecurity jobs. Furthermore, it aims to attract up to $1.4 billion in foreign direct investment by the same year, promoting broader digitalization and economic productivity.

The Cyber Security Centre of Excellence will focus on collaboration with global academia and research institutes, providing training and education to equip individuals and organizations to combat evolving cyber threats. A specialized training program endorsed by the UAE Cyber Security Council will be delivered by Mandiant, part of Google Cloud, offering courses designed to prepare participants for real-world cyberattack scenarios.

Through this initiative, the UAE aims to build a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of defending against complex threats. The program will incorporate experiential learning, including instructor-led courses and cyber simulation exercises, providing participants with hands-on experience in incident response.

Overall, this collaboration between the UAE Cyber Security Council and Google Cloud not only reinforces the nation’s commitment to cybersecurity but also positions the UAE as a significant player in the global digital landscape.